Chapter 2: Let the Games Begin

Preston

Thursday, November 15, 8:35 P.M

She stops as she walks her dogs over some grass. "I don't think that shirt will protect you from the 65 degree Florida weather like this." She laughs lightly. "I don't think a pretty girl like you should be out so late." I grin at her. "Hey handsome, you forgot your jacket." Trinity says, strutting over to me. Her skin is barely covered due to the fact she's only wearing a cami top with booty shorts. As she comes to my left, I glance to see her glaring at Cadence with a repulsive expression. "Preston, want to go with me and some friends to dinner tomorrow? Our treat." She clutches around my arm.

"I don't think I have time for that. Thanks for the offer but tonight wasn't such a pleasant taste." I say as I take the jacket. "W-whatever... It's not like I liked it either." She says and storms away. Cadence hits me with the back of her hand on my arm. "Why would you do that?" She asks. "Was I not so clear? She's not my type." I state.

"She's a nice girl! She deserves better." She whines, crossing her arms and practically pouting. "Have I ever told you that you look cute when your mad?" I try to change the subject. "Don't turn this around Preston, girls are fragile! You can't toss them around like it's nothing cause us girls actually have-" Before she can finish a quickly pull her in and kiss her. I try to get further until she looks away to her dogs trying to go back home. "I did it cause I like you, Cadence." I say, hoping it'll get me somewhere. "Thanks, Preston, I really appreciate it. I'll just, uhm. . . see you tomorrow." She smiles as her cheeks turn rosy. She walks away and enters her house. Looks like I'll be winning this one, Ryder.

Preston

Friday, November 16, 10:22 A.M

I go to the boys at the Library to meet up at a free period to see our progress. I sit down as I am late, as always. "I got a kiss from the one and only." I announce with pride. "What about that trinity girl?" Dean asks in disbelief. "Dropped her." I say, tilting my chair back further. "I bet you boys haven't even started." I mock. "Well then, let the games begin." Hunter says as he gets up. The bell rings and we all get out to go to our next period.

Ryder

Friday, November 16, 11:15 A.M

I never even noticed that girl from the library is a seat away, though, that seat between us had always been empty. As Mrs. Garcia talks about the upcoming project, she lets us all take a few minutes to seek for a partner. The girl takes a look around the classroom and then lays her eyes on me.

"Hey, uhm, I need a partner for the upcoming project. Do you mind if we maybe work together?", I offer.

"Well, I don't have any friends here," she looks down, figeting with her nails. "Or in general..." She mumbles quietly to where only I can hear her. "So sure." She looks back up at me and grins. That smile just lit up my whole day. My palms become a little bit sweaty as I blush a bit. "Meet me under the bleachers after school." I plan as I move a seat next to her, she smiles and starts listening to Mrs. Garcia as she catches the attention of the class so she can teach again. "What's your name?" I ask in a whisper. "Cadence LeBlanc. You?" She asks in a lower voice, I almost don't understand what she says. "Ryder Johnson." I smile at her. "Is there something you would like to say, Ryder?" The teacher calls out. "No ma'am..." I look up at her and pay attention.

Ryder

Friday, November 16, 4:40 P.M

I head over to under the football bleachers that has grass under it, so I sit on my jacket. "Ok, so the Bubonic Plague spread throughout China, then to Europe, and then worldwide by rats, contact with touch, and just breathing the same air," she explains as she doesn't take her eyes off the book. Her intelligence strikes me in a way I can't explain, she's so smart and really pretty. Although I forget that this was a bet, she makes me feel happy whenever she says something smart, or even just smiles at me.

"I'm tired...", she utters, scratching her head. "You can sleep while I do some of the research, if you want to...", I say. "Yea, but the floor is pretty hard...AND uncomfortable,"she says, frowning at the floor. "Y-you can lie down on my lap if you want," I offer. She nods and lays her head onto my thighs.

It's been at least 7 minutes and she's laying down on my lap still, reading and taking notes, as I also am. She looks up and I look down at her. I get closer with a desire to kiss her. I become hesitant since it's a bit too soon. "I should go. It's 4:55 and my parents are probably looking for me," she states. Uh oh, she's leaving. She probably got bored of me. There has to be a way to get more closure with her in order to win this one.

"Ok. We'll finish tomorrow. Meet me at the skate park on Adams Street," I suggest. She smiles and we get out, going home. As she hops onto the bus, I skate home with thoughts of her running through my mind.